Elegant Trogon
Trogon elegans

Our first bird to photograph sent my fellow photographer to the car to cool off in the A/C. His reaction to this beautiful bird at full frame range, shooting inbetween the limbs, and using fill flash was over whelming and in 98 degree temperature. Normally shooting from a blind with equipment set up is different from shooting in the wild. Some equipment adjustments for quicker set up with both the camera and tripod produced many good images the rest of the trip.

Front photo was on the first day while the back side image the second full day.

The three of the birds on this strip of pictures plus the Sungrebe above were all found on the Rio Frio. Only the Cormorant migrates any further north. As you can see, most of these birds like to be secluded. They hid from visitors. The Como rant is had to get close to in the motor boat. The Ferruginous Pygmy Owl was on a dirt road in the low lands along a canal.

Other birds seen on the river boat ride are the kingfishers including the Amazon, Blue-crowned Motmot, Brown Jay, Social Flycatcher, Boat-billed Flycatcher, Great Kisskadee, and many woodpeckers to name a few.

Our return trip from Boca Toma II along the canal and then up the highway to Gomez Farias had to pass the Bat Falcon guarding the entrance to El Cielo. The late afternoon golden light and clear sky made for a great photo opportunity.

The day was finished reviewing the days pictures and events starting with guacamole with Maggie's special salsa and a cold beer. Following a delicious dinner of Picadillo (hamburger meat with chopped tomato, onion, peas, and carrots) plus rice, steamed vega tables, and finished off with ice cream.

Going up the mountains of El Cielo after our first night at the Casa de Piedras and a good breakfast prepared by Maggie.

The Great Black Hawk was perched on the top of a dead tree looking for breakfast. Click on the image to enlarge. We enjoyed this fantastic bird for at least ten minutes.

A Clay-colored Robin with her brood of newly hatched chicks is left below in Gomez Faris.

Black-Headed Nightingale Thrush is on the right nestled in a mountain valley just outside of Alta Cima

Both are in the El Cielo Biosphere Preserve.

Pale-billed Woodpecker
Image by Lee Zieger

The Muscovy Duck is very special as one that is not domesticated is rare and hard to get close enough for a photograph. Seeing the Muscovey Duck juveniles is extra special. Both the Muscovy Duck and Northern Jacana shots were taken near sundown in poor light with flash.

Many thanks to our guide Ricardo Jimenez who found these birds on a fishing trip. Having a local guide can be very rewarding with the many short term interesting events during the year only a local guide would know about.

Flo like tree after rain and new foliage.
Image by Lee Zieger